Work Continues on the Northwest Gateway Project

Date: April 12, 2014
Contact: Darlene M. Koontz, 530-595-6102

Lassen Volcanic National Park News Release

April 11, 2014
For Immediate Release
Darlene M. Koontz
530-595-6102

Work Continues on the Northwest Gateway Forest Restoration Project at Lassen Volcanic National Park

MINERAL, CA - Low snow levels have provided an opportunity for Lassen Volcanic National park to continue work on the Northwest Gateway Forest Restoration Project."Mechanical thinning used as a tool in developed areas, such as Manzanita Lake, helps decrease risks to life, property and resources as well as perpetuate the natural resource values for which Lassen Volcanic National park was established," said Superintendent Darlene M. Koontz. Thinning work has been completed and hand crews will finish restoration work in the first three areas of the project.

The Northwest Gateway Forest Restoration project is composed of six areas with a total treatment area of up to 2.145 acres. Weather permitting; on Monday April 14, work will begin on three additional areas adjacent to Manzanita lake and the campground totaling approximately 250 acres. Should the park receive a significant amount of moisture, the work may be postponed until the fall.

Due to the close proximity of mechanical thinning operations to Manzanita Lake campground, there is a temporary area closure in effect until May 22. The road to the Manzanita Lake boat ramp will open to the public on Friday, April 11 while the loop trail around Manzanita Lake campground and all associated facilities will reopen in time for Memorial Day weekend on May 23.

The goal of this treatment strategy is to reestablish the forest landscape by restoring a more resilient, diverse forest structure. Once the forest has been thinned and surface fuel profiles restored, fire can be utilized to further restore, enhance and maintain the system without further use of mechanical equipment.

Crags Lake trail remains closed through April. Visitors in the Manzanita Lake area may see and hear the equipment used for mechanical thinning, please stay a safe distance from all work being conducted. For more information, please contact the park at 530-595-6102 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or visit www.nps.gov.lavo/parkmgmt/nwg.htm.

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